UK rescue team sent to New Zealand

David Cameron has announced that Britain has sent a rescue team to help in the wake of the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.

6:49PM GMT 22 Feb 2011

Mr Cameron said: "The people of New Zealand have been hit by a devastating earthquake, not once, but twice in a matter of months, and I want to pay tribute to their resilience. They have our deepest sympathies and condolences.

"I have been in touch with my good friend, Prime Minister John Key, and he knows that Britain stands ready to provide whatever assistance is required in support of the local emergency services. We have agreed to send a search and rescue team, which has deployed immediately."